1. After singing one of the paschal hymns, Our Lord and His apostles went forth to the Garden of Gethsemani. On the way a strange sorrow spread over the countenance of Jesus. His unfailing cheerfulness forsook Him. His disciples wondered at the sudden change. It was the shadow of His sacred Passion which fell upon Him, the beginning of the black darkness which was to envelop His Sacred Heart. When the shadow of desolation falls on me, may I remember Thee, O Lord, thus downcast on the road to Gethsemani.

2. In mournful words Our Lord addresses the apostles: "You will all be scandalized in My regard this night. You will all fly like cowards when the danger comes. One of you will betray Me, another will deny Me thrice, all will forsake Me." How this thought pierced with anguish the sensitive heart of Jesus ! Of all who for three years had been His chosen friends and companions, who had seen His miracles and listened to His divine words, not one would be found faithful. My God, how often have I been found unfaithful to Thee

3. At length Our Lord's bitter sorrow breaks out in words still more mournful: "My soul is sorrowful even unto death. " The darkness which was gathering round Him was even then like the darkness of death. He began to fear and to be very heavy. He could hardly endure the misery which even then began to fall on Him. Pray for sympathy with Jesus, and the power of appreciating a little the divine love which undertook all this for your sake.Source: The Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ - Short Meditations for Everyday in Lent, by Richard F. Clarke, S.J. Imprimatur 1889

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